Snow? What snow!

That's the last time I listen to the weatherman!

-Kim

Too good to last

With all the warm weather we've been having and the snow pretty much all melted away, I knew it was too good to last. I hate when snow is predicted for the evening commute home and it's prefectly good riding weather in the morning. But when all 3 evening weather reports say there will be snow on the drive home....I gotta listen to them.

I've done the whole commute home in a snow storm before and it's scary. I don't mind the snow, goggles take care of that and I don't mind the wet and cold weather, I've got clothes to take care of that. It's the drivers and the roads that scare me to death when there's fresh snow on the ground. If my commute wasn't 95% roads I don't think I'd have a problem with it but since most of my commute is on roads, I don't want to take that chance anymore.

Can you tell I'm trying to make myself feel better for making the decision for not riding in today? I feel like a complete wuss.....

I was so looking forward to riding the SS in today....guess I'll have to settle with a run during lunch.

-Kim

Sunday Roadie Ride

Even though we had 60 degree weather yesterday, the winds from the storm moving in from California forced us to stay off our bikes and onto the trails for an 1hr run instead. We had chilly weather today but no winds so we decided to take the SS bikes out today. I was a little nervous about taking the SS out with all the climbs we were going to do but I'm happy to say I loved it! It wasn't a struggle at all and I'm looking forward to using that as my daily commuter! We got a 2hr ride in and were really glad to be back since our fingers and toes were starting to get a little frozen.

Here's a look at the foothills from our front window as the storm clouds started to break up




This is Dan's bike...it made me squint in the sun it's so bright white


This is my bike which Dan gave me for Xmas. I'm thinking about putting a bullhorn bar on it but I'll give the flat bar a whirl for a week and see how I like it. Even though it's a road frame it feels like a really fast mountain bike with the flat bar.

Earthed 5 Premier tonight

This is where we'll be headed tonight. All proceeds going to the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund! Hope to see all you locals there!

Coldest commute in - 6 degree's

Last year I think the coldest day that I commuted into work was 9 degree's, today it was 6. Funny that with all the gear on....it just doesn't seem that cold, that is until I get into work and see myself in the mirrored glass of the front door, all frozen and frosty.

Sometimes I wonder what drives me to ride my bike to work? I haven't always done it, when I lived in Michigan just the thought of riding my bike on the roads scared me silly. I actually feel guilty when I have to drive in, I feel all those gallons of gas slipping away every time I put my foot on the pedal and I'm nervous about the next fill-up...where can I find the cheapest gas at? I get into a car now and I'm a little disorientated at first and I'm nervous about driving at night....weird how your perspective can change.

Props to all those other commuters out there! Even if I don't do the head nod every time I see you.....you've got my respect.

-Kim

Big Tires

We got some 38" tires for the Jeep!


They look HUGE compared to the Nissan's 32" tires, even the Cherokee's 36" tires look small compared to these.

Back in the saddle

Yesterday was the first time back at commuting to work after taking most of December off. With all the snow we've gotten and all the running around for Christmas, commuting hasn't been happening. Luckily the bike lanes were cleared off enough to start up again.


I took the MTB commuter out for it's first voyage to work with me....let me tell you, those knobby tires and suspension fork make it the most inefficient commuter I've ever riden. At least I felt safe if I hit a patch of ice or had to ride through some snow.


It was a chilly 18 degree's outside but with my new gear I got from Dan, I didn't feel cold at all. The Pearl Izumi InsulaTour Jacket is warm and it's looks really good, I can wear it just as a jacket as well as a riding jacket.


The AmFib gloves have always been my favorites and the AmFib Mountain Shoe Covers should keep out the muck from the melting snow.


I probably should have put the Moose Mits on the bike but my fingers stayed toasty until I hit Boulder and the winds were picking up. Next year I'm asking for some Lake Winter Riding Boots so I don't have to wear multiple layers of booties. Although the new rubber one's worked surprising well. The gloves and booties are both rated for 10 degree weather.

Fortunately for me Dan got out of work at 5pm yesterday so I was able to ride over to the bike shop in Boulder and catch a ride from him. The winds were gusting up to 60mph and with the temps in the teens....it wasn't a very pleasant environment to be riding home in. The winds and cold temps also spoiled out plans of a midnight snow ride for New Years,

Oh well....the temps are supposed to be in the 40's the rest of the week and in the 50's all weekend, hopefully we'll be able to get out on the CX bikes.

-Kim